Pagina 512 de 817

Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy,

drawn when she was only eight years old.

"And is Miss Darcy as handsome as her brother?" said Mr.

Gardiner.

"Oh, yes--the handsomest young lady that ever was seen; and so

accomplished! She plays and sings all day long. In the next room

is a new instrument just come down for her--a present from my

master: she comes here to-morrow with him."

Mr. Gardiner, whose manners were easy and pleasant, encouraged

her communicativeness by his questions and remarks: Mrs.

Reynolds, either from pride or attachment, had evidently great

pleasure in talking of her master and his sister.

"Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year?"

"Not so much as I could wish, sir: but I dare say he may spend

half his time here; and Miss Darcy is always down for the summer

months."

"Except," thought Elizabeth, "when she goes to Ramsgate."

"If your master would marry, you might see more of him."